The High Court has ordered the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohammed Amin, to personally appear in court on July 3, 2025, to explain the whereabouts of missing blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who has not been seen since his alleged abduction by unknown individuals on June 21.
While issuing the directive on Monday, Justice Chacha Mwita said that Amin must personally account for the DCI’s actions, as its officers were the last known individuals to visit Kinyagia’s residence before his disappearance.
“The DCI officers visited his residence, and they are the only ones who were there when he disappeared. The caretaker has not sworn an affidavit. The DCI searched, and this person disappeared. We need an explanation as to where he is,” Justice Mwita stated.
The court stopped short of summoning Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, but nonetheless directed the IG to produce Kinyagia in court without fail, or provide a satisfactory explanation during an in-person court mention scheduled for 11:00 am on July 3.
Habeas Corpus Petition by Law Society of Kenya
The court orders follow a habeas corpus application filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Kinyagia’s family, seeking to compel state agencies to produce the missing activist.
According to the application, Kinyagia was allegedly abducted in Kinoo by masked men in balaclavas, armed with handguns, and using unmarked vehicles with distorted license plates. He has not been seen or heard from since, and no formal communication has been made by law enforcement on his status.
“This is an application of habeas corpus touching on a Kenyan who is a human being… I have taken into account the fact that the second applicant has not been found for 10 days and that the life of a citizen is in danger,” said Justice Mwita.
The respondents — including the DCI, Inspector General of Police, and other security agencies — have until close of business Monday to respond, with a seven-day window to file affidavits.
Senior Counsel Martha Karua Slams Police Defiance
Senior Counsel Martha Karua, appearing in court on behalf of the applicants, strongly condemned the DCI’s handling of the case, accusing them of disregarding court authority.
“There has been no compliance. They are not taking the orders of this court seriously. It is their business to find him — that’s why we pay them,” Karua told the court.
The case has renewed concerns about enforced disappearances in Kenya, particularly involving individuals critical of the government or affiliated with activism and digital dissent.
